Military, civilian law authorities investigate combat soldier’s death in Hoke County

Military and civilian law authorities are investigating the death of a Fort Bragg soldier found dead inside of his Hoke County home late last week.

Sgt. James S. Chapman, 32, was found inside of his home near Raeford on Thursday, military officials reported during the weekend.

Chapman, was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division and had completed two tours of combat duty in Afghanistan. He was a native of Saltville, Va., according to the 82nd Airborne Division’s public affairs office.

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“We are thinking of Sgt. Chapman’s family during this challenging time,” said Lt. Col. Brandon Meno, one of the fallen soldier’s commanders. “They have our most sincere condolences.”

Chapman joined the Army in November 2005, completed one-station unit training at Fort Sill, Okla. in 2006 and was assigned to Fort Bragg.

He completed two tours of duty in Afghanistan in 2007 and from 2008 to 2009. He also served in the 2nd Infantry Division in the Republic of Korea from 2010 to 2011 before returning to Fort Bragg in July 2011. He earned multiple achievement and service awards during his career.